Quote of the Day
Family physicians are the pluripotential stem cells of American health care. -Dr. Wanda Filer
Well said.
Dr. Filer (I get to call her Wanda because I’m special; also, she’s really nice) did hands-down one of the best talks I’ve ever heard on the long term effects of childhood trauma, which probably affects more than a third of my patients, and I don’t even know it. (Look for upcoming post on asking established patients — some of them decades-long — new patient questions.) She is also the President-elect of the American Academy of Family Physicians, which means that even though I ju...
Source: Musings of a Dinosaur - March 21, 2015 Category: Primary Care Authors: notdeaddinosaur Tags: Medical Source Type: blogs
Time to "Look for the Union Label?" - "First US Doctors' Strike in Decades," at University of California Student Health
The First US Doctors' Strike in Decades A few news media outlets in California have reported on what has been up to now a very rare event - a strike by physicians. An initial summary was in an article in the San Diego Union - Tribune, whose title wasFirst U.S. Doctors' Strike in DecadesA handful of doctors providing medical services to students at UC San Diego — and their colleagues at nine other University of California campuses — went on strike Tuesday.It's the first time in 25 years that fully licensed doctors are picketing a U.S. employer, according to the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, whic...
Source: Health Care Renewal - January 30, 2015 Category: Health Management Tags: corporate physician executive compensation labor unions physician strikes transparency University of California Source Type: blogs
Want to practice primary care and be debt free? Here’s how.
A medical student asked to speak to me about a month ago at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where I am an Instructor of family medicine. He has been very active in our school’s Primary Care Scholars program and community health outreach activities. “Dr. Chan,” he said, “I am so torn. I really love primary care, but I am so worried that I won’t be able to get my loans paid off when I’m done.”
Unfortunately, he was not the first student to approach me with this dilemma, nor will he be the last. I am impressed that students are planning ahead for their future, but the truth is that if you spend...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - January 30, 2015 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Charmaine Chan, DO Tags: Physician Primary care Source Type: blogs
Are You Reaping The Rewards After Implementing EHR Software?
Conclusion
The stories published on the HIT Web site reflect the endless possibilities of EHR technology. Practices are using EHRs to improve healthcare quality, engage patients, reduce costs, provide more comprehensive care, and even save lives. By addressing the barriers and challenges of implementation, physician practices can tap into the benefits of this innovative technology.
If your medical office is in need of efficiency, organization or better & innovative solutions, contact us for a live demo and consultations.
Readers may also be interested in the following:
What are the to...
Source: EMR EHR Blog for Physicians - January 6, 2015 Category: Technology Consultants Authors: Alok Prasad Tags: Patient Engagement EHR Implementation EMR cost EHR Training Source Type: blogs
When joining a medical practice: The importance of autonomy
Not too long ago before I was unexpectedly dismissed by my organization, I had the audacity to complain and request change for the betterment of my patients. Forgoing the traditional route of a solo practice, I wanted to join a large organization which supposedly provides a worry free investment that normally comes attached with starting an independent medical practice. I agreed to the terms and conditions of any large organization and began my new found journey hopefully into “happiness.”
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Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - November 30, 2014 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Phillip Kim, MD, MPH Tags: Physician Primary care Source Type: blogs
Electronic Health Records: AMA Offers Blueprint to Improve Meaningful Use Program
Conclusion
The AMA’s blueprint comes on the heels of growing stakeholder concern about the Meaningful Use program, especially as it progresses beyond the initial stages. The AMA is frustrated by physicians’ struggles to meet the requirements and the blueprint is an opportunity to modify possible roadblocks facing EHR adoption in the United States. By offering additional flexibilities for physicians, the AMA believes the ultimate goal of Meaningful Use—improving patient care—will be realized. We will monitor EHRs and Meaningful Use as it continues to impact medical practices around the country.
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Source: Policy and Medicine - November 11, 2014 Category: American Health Authors: Thomas Sullivan Source Type: blogs
Disturbing trends in the heart rhythm clinic — New post up over at theHeart.org
What follows is a short intro to my latest column on theHeart.org | Medscape Cardiology.
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The title of the piece is Three Concerning Trends in the Electrophysiology Clinic. I worked on the 750-word piece the entire week. It was hard to get the tone just right. This is because the trends do not reflect well on us–caregivers in the US healthcare system.
These are changing times for cardiology. In my city of 1-million people, cardiologists are now employed by three major healthcare behemoths. Most, but not yet all, of my referrals come solely because I am part of behemoth A. Doctors in my corporation have no cho...
Source: Dr John M - November 1, 2014 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr John Source Type: blogs
From The Healthcare Blog: How To Discourage A Doctor
Dalai's note: A piece by Dr. Richard Gunderman posted on TheHealthcareBlog.com. It is unclear whether or not Dr. Gunderman's "discovery" is a real document or not. Still, it would seem to explain a lot of what we are seeing in healthcare today...How To Discourage a DoctorNot accustomed to visiting hospital executive suites, I took my seat in the waiting room somewhat warily.Seated across from me was a handsome man in a well-tailored three-piece suit, whose thoroughly professional appearance made me – in my rumpled white coat, sheaves of dog-eared paper bulging from both pockets – feel out of place.Within a ...
Source: Dalai's PACS Blog - September 26, 2014 Category: Radiologists Source Type: blogs
“Doctoring in the Age of ObamaCare” Sheds Light on the Mounting Administrative Tasks that Take Physicians Away From Patients
A recent editorial published in the Wall Street Journal entitled "Doctoring in the Age of ObamaCare" provides a glimpse at a day in the life of an endocrinologist working in solo private practice. Dr. Mark Sklar has experienced the changing healthcare landscape over the past two-decades, and argues that “[t]he practice of medicine in the current environment is unsustainable.”
Today, doctors must demonstrate “meaningful use” of electronic health records, call insurance companies to pre-authorize drugs for coverage, and adjust to quality reporting requirements. Furthermore, doctors may have to front questions a...
Source: Policy and Medicine - September 25, 2014 Category: American Health Authors: Thomas Sullivan Source Type: blogs
Is There A Doctor In The House? Survey Sheds Light On Physician Capacity, Morale, Shortages, And Patient Access
There is ongoing debate over whether there are enough physicians to care for millions of new patients. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the United States currently faces a shortage of 20,000 physicians – a shortfall that could exceed 130,000 physicians by 2025. In addressing these challenges, it is critical to take into consideration the shifting patterns in medical practice configurations, changing dynamics inherent within physician workforce trends, and the potential impact on patient access to care.
The Physicians Foundation’s new survey of more than 20,000 physicians examines these issues ...
Source: Health Affairs Blog - September 17, 2014 Category: Health Management Authors: Walker Ray Tags: All Categories Health Care Delivery Physicians Workforce Source Type: blogs
Health Affairs Web Firsts: Two Studies Find Mixed Results On EHR Adoption
TweetSince the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act was enacted in 2009, Health Affairs has published many articles about the promise of health information technology and the challenges of promoting broad adoption and “meaningful use.”
Last week, on August 7, the journal released two new Web First studies, “More Than Half Of US Hospitals Have At Least A Basic EHR, But Stage 2 Criteria Remain Challenging For Most” and “Despite Substantial Progress In EHR Adoption, Health Information Exchange And Patient Engagement Remain Low In Office Settings.” These stu...
Source: Health Affairs Blog - August 11, 2014 Category: Health Management Authors: Tracy Gnadinger Tags: All Categories Health IT Hospitals Medicare Payment Physicians Policy Technology Source Type: blogs
What You Need to Say Yes to CLW
Here’s a detailed update about the upcoming Conscious Life Workshop, which kicks off in two weeks in Las Vegas. I’ve also sprinkled in some cool personal growth ideas to share, so this is actually a combination of promoting the workshop and a new article.
We now have 104 people 115 people (updated 8/12) signed up for CLW, which is absolutely terrific. That makes it the biggest 3-day workshop I’ve ever done. This will bring an amazing amount of transformational energy into the room.
The main purpose of this workshop is to help you bring into balance 3 core parts of your life:
Fulfilling Work –...
Source: Steve Pavlina's Personal Development Blog - August 8, 2014 Category: Life Coaches Authors: Steve Pavlina Tags: Balance Business Career & Work Consciousness & Awareness Goals & Goal Setting Motivation Passion Passive Income Personal Development Public Speaking Success Wealth & Money Source Type: blogs
Results from Network Study on Isolation Techniques Questionnaire
Isolation Techniques Questionnaire Study Was a Great Success! The National Network's first questionnaire study is complete. The topic was the types of isolation techniques that general dentists use while doing root canal treatment (RCT). Many thanks to the more than 1,600 practitioners who made this study a great success. General dentists enrolled as a limited participant (surveys only) or full participant (surveys and in-clinic studies) who reported doing at least some RCT were eligible to participate. An excellent response ra...
Source: Dental Technology Blog - August 8, 2014 Category: Dentists Source Type: blogs
My oasis of care is being threatened
I am a solo, independent family physician and my practice is not a silo. It is not a cold, stagnant, immobile, potentially dangerous storage facility where data to be used by insurance companies and statisticians is held until it is finally purged. No, my office is a visually and emotionally comforting, innovative, healing environment where information is shared and confidence is enhanced. It is an oasis.
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Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how. (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog)
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - August 6, 2014 Category: Journals (General) Authors: John Brady, MD Tags: Physician Health reform Primary care Source Type: blogs
Care coordination movement picks up speed in Maryland hospitals
by Carmela Coyle
With national healthcare leaders and federal regulators focusing now more than ever on how to achieve the triple aim of healthcare--reduced costs, better outcomes and improved patient experience--experiments on the best way to achieve this sprout up throughout the country.
One of the major movements in recent years is a push toward care coordination--the implementation of best practices so that patient care among different healthcare partners like hospitals, pharmacies, nursing homes and primary care physicians is harmonized and best serves the patient. The concept of care coordination has been around f...
Source: hospital impact - August 3, 2014 Category: Health Managers Authors: Wendy Johnson Source Type: blogs
